Section 16-110.1 - Vision requirements - In general. - Maryland Statutes

§ 16-110.1. Vision requirements - In general.
 

(a)  Vision standards for unrestricted license.- For an unrestricted license, each applicant is required to have: 

(1) Simultaneously: 

(i) A minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye; and 

(ii) A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees; and 

(2) Binocular vision. 

(b)  Restricted license - Vision correctable to standards.- If the applicant's vision can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses to meet the standards of this section, the Administration may issue the applicant a restricted license, endorsed "corrective lenses". 

(c)  Restricted license - Peripheral vision - In general.-  

(1) The Administration may issue a restricted license to an applicant who has simultaneously: 

(i) A visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes; and 

(ii) A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees and with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side. 

(2) To qualify for a restricted license under this subsection, the Administration may require an applicant to submit a report of examination by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation by the Administration or its Medical Advisory Board. 

(3) A license issued under this subsection: 

(i) Shall be endorsed "outside mirrors each side"; and 

(ii) May be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the Administration, based on recommendations of the applicant's ophthalmologist or optometrist, or any other evaluation that the Administration determines appropriate. 

(d)  Restricted license - Peripheral vision - Noncommercial license.-  

(1) The Administration may only issue a restricted noncommercial driver's license to an applicant who does not otherwise meet the vision standards under this section but who has simultaneously: 

(i) A visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes; and 

(ii) A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees and with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side. 

(2) To qualify for a restricted license under this subsection, the Administration may require an applicant to submit a report of examination by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation by the Administration or its Medical Advisory Board. 

(3) A license issued under this subsection: 

(i) Shall be endorsed "outside mirrors each side"; and 

(ii) May be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the Administration, based on recommendations of the applicant's ophthalmologist or optometrist, or any other evaluation that the Administration determines appropriate. 

(e)  Issuance of restricted license.- If an applicant does not meet the vision standards under this subtitle, the Administration may issue a restricted license to the applicant subject to any restrictions the administration determines appropriate for public safety, including any restriction described in § 16-110.3 of this subtitle, if: 

(1) The applicant is evaluated and recommended for approval by the Medical Advisory Board; and 

(2) The applicant successfully completes a driver's training course required by the Administration. 

(f)  Vision correction surgery.- An individual issued a restricted driver's license under this section who has had vision correction surgery resulting in the individual's meeting the requirements for an unrestricted license may: 

(1) Apply to the Administration for a corrected license without the vision restriction; or 

(2) Until the time of a license renewal or issuance of a corrected license, carry written certification from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist that the individual meets the vision requirements for an unrestricted license under this section. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 6-110.1; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1997, ch. 346, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 482; 2002, ch. 463; 2003, ch. 20; 2006, ch. 493.]